State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Engineer Ishraq Hossain, has warned that any attempt to disrespect freedom fighters or the 1971 Liberation War will trigger another mass uprising.
Speaking at a meeting with freedom fighters after visiting the Bir Shrestha Ruhul Amin Memorial Museum in Deoti Union, Sonaimuri, on Wednesday (June 3) afternoon, the State Minister emphasized that the Liberation War remains the core of the nation's identity.
"No one will be allowed to disrespect the Liberation War and Bangladesh. If necessary, those who do will be sent to Pakistan," Ishraq stated. He added that the party's recent movements and struggles were carried out under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, noting the party's pride in his legacy as the son of the proclaimer of independence.
Referring to the July 2024 student-led movement, Ishraq criticized opportunistic groups. "For the past 17 years, one group monopolized the Liberation War, looted the country, and established fascism. Now, another group is trying to hijack the bloody mass uprising of 2024 for personal gain," he said. "But the people of Bangladesh are not stupid. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) believes in democracy. We want to leave all state decisions to the people—whoever they elect will run the state."
He strongly condemned those who opposed Bangladesh's independence in 1971 and collaborated with the Pakistani army, specifically criticizing recent comments by Mirpur MP Baten, who allegedly praised Pakistan on a recent talk show. "Bangladesh was born through the great Liberation War. We gained an independent territory, a map, and a flag. There will be no compromise on this," Ishraq affirmed.
Highlighting the BNP's role in the 2024 mass uprising, he stated that the party and its allies spent the last 17 years fighting against enforced disappearances, murders, and foreign subjugation. He noted that the sacrifices of many leaders, including the disappearance of Ilias Ali Chowdhury, laid the groundwork that accelerated the 2024 uprising.
"Since July, the Nationalist Party and the children of freedom fighters actively participated in the student movement to reach our final goal. At least 148 Chhatra Dal leaders gave their lives in this struggle," the State Minister added.
The event was attended by Noakhali-1 MP Barrister A. M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, and Superintendent of Police A. T. M. Mosharef Hossain, among others.
